Wood apple (Bael)

Wood apple is the tropical fruit of a tree with rough bark and sharp spines that’s native to India and Sri Lanka. The fruits are egg-shaped or round, with a hard and thick rind that must be crushed with a hammer or a stone in order to get to the pulp.

The pulp is mealy, with an astringent, acid, or sweet flavor and numerous white seeds scattered throughout it. Whether sweet-sour or sweet, the pulp is usually enjoyed fresh after it’s been scooped out. It can also be made into jams, jellies, and chutneys.

When mixed with palm syrup and coconut milk, the pulp can be made into ice cream, beverages, and various desserts. Interestingly, unripe fruits are used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diarrhea.